Urban Wildlife

(WXIA) -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has brought back its Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest for 2014.

This year's theme is Plug into Nature, emphasizing the importance of experiencing wildlife and plants firsthand.

All Georgia students in grades kindergarten through 5 are invited to enter the contest. The top 12 winners' posters will be displayed on the DNR's Flickr site and at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry during the first two weeks in May.

Contest entries are due Apr. 16. Three winners will be picked in four categories (kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grade 5).

DORAVILLE, Ga. -- A Doraville Elementary school has taken precautions after nearby residents reported a number of coyote sightings.

Several people living in the Northcrest neighborhood said they have heard the howls at night, seen the footprints during the day, and even had pets disappear.

"The concern is that [Pleasantdale Elementary School] backs up to a wooded area where there could be a den, and there's no fence around it," said concerned Northcrest resident Fred Brazzell. He's seen several coyotes and no longer lets his small dog out at night.

A representative for DeKalb County said the school hasn't seen any coyotes during the day, but they're being careful anyway. They keep their doors and dumpster lids closed, and keep a close eye on kids when they're outside. Two coaches watch them at all times and keep radios handy in case of a sighting.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James is proud to introduce a new four-legged member of his staff.

Andy, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois, was recently put up for adoption by the U.S. Army after his handler was wounded in Afghanistan.

"When I heard that Andy would be up for adoption, I jumped at the opportunity," said Assistant District Attorney Jason Beato, who worked with the K-9 while deployed in Afghanistan in 2010. "He will be extremely helpful in the work of our VIPER Unit and can assist other local agencies and municipalities in various roles."

During his three years in the Army, Andy was a multi-purpose K-9 who worked to track bombs, explosives and human scent.

ATLANTA, Ga. -- For this week’s installment of Best Spots, we've compiled a list of the best lookout points in the metro-area to view the Atlanta skyline.

The prominent Atlanta Skyline is marked with midrise and high-rise buildings similar to those one would find in a larger city like New York City or Los Angeles. The Bank of America Plaza formally known as the NationsBank Building is one of the most prominent buildings in the Atlanta skyline and is the 42nd tallest building in the world, is the largest building in the Western Hemisphere outside of Chicago and New York and is Georgia’s tallest building.

Other buildings included in the Atlanta Skyline are the SunTrust Plaza, One Atlantic Center, 191 Peachtree Tower, the Georgia-Pacific Tower, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Two Peachtree Building and the Promenade II.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – There are tons of fun events going on this weekend, in your area. We’ve listed a few of them for you to check out with your family and friends.

The Gwinnett Braves will host a 5K Family Fun run at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. The run will begin at 8:00 a.m. and is followed by a one mile family fun run that starts ten minutes later. This run will benefit the American Cancer Society and will cost $30. Participants will, also, get a free ticket to the Saturday matchup against the Toledo Mud Hens.

Norcross Police are inviting you to take part in a 5k run that begins at 8:00 a.m. The run will be called "Cops Helping Unique Kids" or CHUK. The $20 registration fee will go to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. There is also a free run and walk that will happen at 10:00 a.m. and a family festival at Thrashers Park.

ATHENS, Ga. – There are tons of fun events going on this weekend, in your area. We’ve listed a few of them for you to check out with your family and friends.

To commemorate National Public Gardens Day, sponsored by the Rain Bird and American Public Gardens Association, nationwide gardens are offering free admission with a coupon printout, which can be found here. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, located in Athens, is accepting these coupons. The Garden is located about three miles south of the University. The address is 2450 South Milledge Avenue in Athens.

Visit Vines Garden in Loganville on Sunday May 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for National Train Day at Vines Garden. This event is being presented by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation. Engineers will be on hand holding information sessions on trains at the largest railroad in the Southeast.

NORTHEAST METRO – For this week’s installment of Best Spots, we’re compiling a list of Inexpensive Date Spots for you to take your special someone.

In today’s economy, it’s important to find companionship which, in our opinion, is the cheapest form of entertainment. However, it’s the springtime, and people like to get out every now and then. So, check out these suggestions for fun under $15.

If your date is a romantic, Athens-Clarke County Greenways and Riverside Parks are hosting a Full Moon Hike. This guided hike will be lighted by the full moon, which occurs on April 26. The hike begins at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m. Athens residents will be admitted for a $2 fee, all non-residents will be charged $5.